Family sues after teen's deadly fall at Gas Works Park
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Mattheis Johnson, a Ballard High School student, was 15 when he fatally fell after climbing the towers at Gas Works Park. Photo: Courtesy of Stritmatter Law and the Johnson Family
The family of a teen who died after falling from the towers at Seattle's Gas Works Park is suing the city, calling the structures — and their aging ladders — a safety hazard that must be fixed.
The big picture: The lawsuit comes after the city's Landmarks Preservation Board voted down a plan this month to remove the towers' access ladders and catwalks, in a debate that pitted historical preservation against public safety.
Catch up quick: Mattheis Johnson, a 15-year-old student at Ballard High School, fell to his death after climbing the towers in July.
- City officials say he's the third person who has died since 2008 after falling from the towers, which are a remnant from when a coal gasification plant operated at the site along Lake Union.
- Several others have been seriously injured.
Between the lines: In recent months, the city parks department has pushed to remove the towers' "pedestrian appurtenances" — including ladders and catwalks — for safety, but needed approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board.
- In a motion rejecting that proposal on Oct. 15, members of the landmarks board said the parks department plan "removes too many features."
- The board called for exploring "alternatives with lesser impact" first, such as installing cameras and improving lighting.
What they're saying: "The city's internal squabbling is an embarrassment to this city, a slap in the face to this grieving family, and shows reckless disregard to the safety of our community," Karen Koehler, an attorney for Johnson's parents and brother, said in a news release.
- The city attorney's office declined to comment on the lawsuit.
What's next: The lawsuit asks a judge to declare the towers and their attached ladders and catwalks a nuisance and order their abatement.
Go deeper: Seattle board rejects Gas Works tower changes after fatal fall